Impossible to identify

[Guest]

Hi everyone.

I just bought a GS450L. The only I.d. present on the frame is GL51D-100243. This is also the number on the papers, so I presume it is an official identification number. The problem is, nobody seems to know what this number means. I don?t find reference to GL51D on the part catalogs and on-line resources. I can?t retrieve the exact version nor the year. It?s got a black engine, though. If I understand correctly this means that production year should be between 85 and 89. The bike is in Luxembourg. The Country is so tiny, we don?t have our own importer. It probably comes from the Belgian importer, but it could as well be a German, Dutch or even French model.

So, long story short, I cannot order parts. I need a new left carburetor and they are different, depending on the version, the year and the country.

So is there someone who can help with this puzzle? And does anyone know if the carburetors are compatible across all the different versions of the GS450? That would be really helpful

Thank you all

 

[Steve]

Hi everyone.

I just bought a GS450L. The only I.d. present on the frame is GL51D-100243. This is also the number on the papers, so I presume it is an official identification number. The problem is, nobody seems to know what this number means. I don’t find reference to GL51D on the part catalogs and on-line resources. I can’t retrieve the exact version nor the year. It’s got a black engine, though. If I understand correctly this means that production year should be between 85 and 89. The bike is in Luxembourg. The Country is so tiny, we don’t have our own importer. It probably comes from the Belgian importer, but it could as well be a German, Dutch or even French model.

So, long story short, I cannot order parts. I need a new left carburetor and they are different, depending on the version, the year and the country.

So is there someone who can help with this puzzle? And does anyone know if the carburetors are compatible across all the different versions of the GS450? That would be really helpful

Thank you all

Are you sure you have an "L"? :-k

According to THIS PAGE, you might have an '83, but there are extra letters mixed in, like GL51_LD.

Other clues are the "D", which indicates a 1983 model year. The black engine actually started in '83, not '85.

Features of the "L" model include (but are not limited to) smaller headlight, taller (rather uncomfortable) handlebars, smaller gas tank, stepped seat and shorter mufflers. Do you have all of them?

.

 

[Big T]

And, chrome front and rear mudguards/fenders

Also, the ID number is stamped into the head stock and printed on a foil tag

 

[Guest]

Thank you Steve.

It?s definitely an L: high, chopper-style handlebar, stepped seat.... Besides, it?s an L in the registration papers.
You say the black engine started in 83. Good news. At least now it makes sense that it is a D (year 83). But still, the frame number doesn't look like one

 

[Steve]

Also, the ID number is stamped into the head stock and printed on a foil tag

Although that is true in the North American market, it's not necessarily true for the rest of the world. :-k

.

 

[Guest]

GL51D is Suzuki-speak for a home market GS450L. They were made from 1985-87. I would guess (and it's only a guess) that an importer in one of the Benelux countries did a deal with Suzuki to sell some extra stock. Whether the dealer saw a demand that needed filling, or Suzuki pushed out stock they couldn't sell in Japan, I don't know. I've heard that one of the bigger Dutch importers persuaded Suzuki to keep sending GS850s for several years after the model was supposedly discontinued.

I believe you have the 2 valve per cylinder engine. For your missing carb, I would buy a used set from a 2v GS450 (any year) and recondition the pair.

 

[roeme]

Yep, lot's of funk going on in european countries with regards to suzuki vehicle designations! I've found three different applicable designations for my 550's from various sources...but in the end, the most important thing to know is which parts are compatible

Can you provide some pictures of your bike? That makes it much easier to identify.

 

[Guest]

Thank you guys, useful hints. I am starting to understand.
I'll call CMSNL and see if they have more input on this. I must not be the only one in Europe with such a frame number.

It's true that it would help to see a picture of the bike, so here you have it.

Have a nice week end you all.

 

[Steve]

Yep, that is, indeed, a 2-valve 450L from at least '83 and up. :encouragement:

I do like the color scheme. We were not blessed with that one.

.

 

[Nessism]

What happened to the carb in question?

 

[Guest]

For the sake of my pride I?d have preferred you didn't ask :shame:

 

[Guest]

I do like the color scheme. We were not blessed with that one.

Yes, it’s a nice one. And in good condition. The inside is a different matter though...

 

[Nessism]

For the sake of my pride I’d have preferred you didn't ask :shame:
View attachment 62251

Okay, I believe you. New carb needed.

I agree with picking up any available set of 450 carbs. You don't need a set matching the originals, you just need a clean rebuildable set.

 

[Guest]

Thank you guys. I?ve ordered a new old pair. A bit unwillingly, but now it?s done. They will have to travel all the way from USA. Yeah.